JUST two runs in, and I think I've already completed the toughest one of the year.

I think I'll struggle to find a more punishing event than the weekend's Tynedale Half Marathon, the hill-riddled course unforgiving on the ol' legs and feet.

Starting and finishing at Tyne Green in Hexham, the route takes you through the villages of Warden, Fourstones and Newbrough, and back on a circular route.

While the views are stunning (they really are and we're blessed in these parts), the roads in and around the area are unrelentingly harsh on runners and cyclists.

However, that all adds to the fun for people seeking a challenge and the route certainly scored thumbs up from participants at the weekend.

Returning after its debut last year, the general mood at the finishing line was one of great relief at completing such a testing run - but, most of all, there was a huge sense of achievement washing over Tyne Green with smiles beaming amidst the aching limbs.

Starting off under the covering of trees which line the riverside path, we were soon over Warden Bridge and on our way to Fourstones.

And the inclines weren't too far away as we needed to call on our energy bank early in to get going.

After negotiating a tough first half of the 13 miles, the cruelest twist, for me, came just before the eight mile mark as the steep bank up from Newbrough arrived just as my legs were telling me they couldn't take much more.

The hill down into Fourstones provided me with the highlight of the run, my journey seeing me having to negotiate a convoy of vintage tractors to cross the road. Where else would you encounter that other than the rural Tyne Valley?!

Having conquered the route, I was chuffed to finish with a time of 1:44.35 which put me 35th in the results sheet. Time can only surely improve once the routes get easier?

Next up, sticking with Run Nation, is the Vindolanda 10K on May 24. The shorter distance definitely appeals, although I have been warned there are bigger hills included!

PROGRAMME OF EVENTS

Date

Event

Venue

Organisers

Time

Saturday 4th March

Mad March Mare

Hexham Racecourse

Challenge Northumberland

01:06.36

Sunday 14th May

Tynedale Half Marathon

Tyne Green, Hexham

Run Northumberland

01:44:35

Wednesday 24th May

Vindolanda 10K

Vindolanda Roman Fort

Run Northumberland

Wednesday 21st June

Stamfordham 10K

Stamfordham Village Hall

Run Northumberland

Tuesday 27th June

Tynedale 10K

Ovington

Tynedale Harriers

Wednesday 28th June

Kirkley 10K

Kirkley Hall

Run Northumberland

Sunday 16th July

Hexham Half Marathon

Wentworth Leisure Centre

Greg Urwin

Wednesday 19th July

Wallington 10K

Wallington Hall

Run Northumberland

Saturday 29thst July

Mestival

Hesleyside

Events of the North

Sunday 3rd September

Matfen 10K

Matfen

Run Northumberland

Sunday 10th September

Great North Run

Newcastle

Great Run Company

Sunday 24th September

Tynedale Jelly Race

Hexham Racecourse

Tynedale Harriers

Sunday 1st October

Prudhoe Miners' Race

Front Street, Prudhoe

Run Northumberland

Saturday 11th November

Prudhoe Riverside parkrun anniversary

Prudhoe Riverside Country Park

Volunteers

Sunday 8th October

Kielder Half Marathon

Kielder Water

Northumbrian Water

Sunday 26th November

Big 10 Miler

Kirkley Hall

Run Northumberland

TRAINING MILES

January

31.8

February

54.9

March

58.2

April

55.2

May

27.4